10 BONUS ROOM IDEAS FOR YOUR HOME’S FLEX SPACE

You’ve probably noticed a lot of modern floor plans include a few extra rooms. These rooms are usually called bonus, dens or flex rooms and you might see them staged in a show home as a bedroom or home office. 

Before you decide what you want to use your flex room for, think about the space itself and what you would like to use it for.  Here’s a list of ideas that you can use to turn that extra space into a world of your own. The possibilities are endless!

1. Nursery Room

Tuck your little one into a cozy flex room nursery. Flex rooms are perfect for nurseries, as they can easily transition to a toddler’s room in the future. With a crib, a comfy chair, and some shelf space for those newborn accessories, you can truly maximize the available space for your family! 

vancouver-realtor-carmen-leal

2. Home Office

We all know the best part of work is coming back home at the end of the day. So why not have the best of both worlds?! Whether you work from home or have carved out a space for a little quiet time like crafting, reading, or writing, your home office is a place that should inspire the flow of creativity and allow you to get down to business!

vancouver-realtor-carmen-leal

3. Guest Bedroom 

If you expect to host friends and family on a regular basis, consider turning that extra space into a guest room. Bonus rooms can easily be turned into a bedroom for short-term guests or for a relative planning a long-term stay. Big fan of Airbnb? You can always rent out your bonus bedroom and make some extra income on the side.

vancouver-realtor-carmen-leal

4. Children’s Play Room

Tired of stepping on toys in the living room? Give your children their own getaway with a designated play room! What kid wouldn’t love their own imaginative play-pen?! For added comfort, add furniture like small tables, storage bins, bookshelves and big comfy cushions. 

vancouver-realtor-carmen-leal

5. Hobby Room

Wishing you had a designated area for your hobbies? With a dedicated hobby room, you can build an area that’s just for painting, writing, yoga, knitting, and more! 

vancouver-realtor-carmen-leal

6. Entertainment Room

An extra room is a great place to set up your own media room, whether it be a home theatre or gaming den. Add bookshelves along walls or cabinets to store Blu-Rays and video games. If you’re room is big enough, consider setting up a projector to create a true big-screen home theater feel. And don’t forget about comfy furniture! What makes a media room great is the comfortable seating that will make movie nights even better.

vancouver-realtor-carmen-leal

7. Music Room

If you’re a music lover, turning that extra living space into a music room is a must! No matter if you play piano, drums, guitar, or just love listening to music on your Bluetooth speaker, a music room perfect for music aficionado’s.

vancouver-realtor-carmen-leal

8. Home Gym

Yes we get it! There are days when you’re too lazy to head to the gym. But with a few weights, yoga mat, and cardio equipment, you can create the perfect home gym with no membership needed! Remember to put up some mirrors on the walls and add a Bluetooth speaker for some great music. 

vancouver-realtor-carmen-leal

9. Home Library

Book lover? How does keeping all of your literary favorites in one spot sound? Having a dedicated room for your book collection is a must for all book-worms. Set up shelving and book cases all around the room, place in some comfortable furniture, grab a cup of coffee and get ready to be lost in a world of words! 

vancouver-realtor-carmen-leal

10. Ultimate Walk In Closet

Running out of space for your clothes and accessories? How about utilizing that extra living space and creating your very own dream walk-in closet! Install small hooks to hang your hats, scarves, and accessories. Add a few floating shelves or cabinets to store purses and shoes. Place a drawer or two to hold your additional clothing pieces!

vancouver-realtor-carmen-leal

The best thing about flex and bonus rooms is that you can customize them fit your needs and allows you to change it up when you want.

********************************************************************

Are you interested in selling or buying your home in the next few months? Work with award winning realtor, Carmen Leal and her team that specialize in Real Estate Vancouver and have qualified Buyers that are looking for a home in your area!   604.218.4846 & www.carmenleal.ca

Vancouver-Realtor-Carmen-Leal

                                                                 This communication is not intended to induce breach of existing listing agreement.

6 Home Renovations That Pamper Pets Beyond Compare

You know your pets are genuine members of the family when you start to think about renovating your house specifically to accommodate their needs. Of course you want your cat, dog, or any critter under your roof to be happy, so why not add a couple of amenities built just for him? And when the time comes to sell, your home will be extra appealing to other pet lovers. Plus today's pet renovations have gone way beyond the usual tiny swinging door. Here are six of the newest house-trained trends.

A pet nap nook under the stairs

Consider making the area below your stairs into a fab pet nook. It's usually just dead space if it's not a closet, so talk to your contractor about cutting out this spot to make a comfy nest for your pup. Add lighting and then paint the inside a fun color. You could also put up some fun wall decor, like bones for dogs or paws for cats, and pictures of foods they like, too. Choose a cute bed or dog chaise that looks like a normal chaise—but smaller. It'll give your furry friend a cool chill-out pit, and you a great conversation piece.

vancouver-realtor-carmen-leal

Spill-proof dishes

Along with tufts of animal fur, puppy kibble is the next biggest source of pet mess in most homes. The fix: a built-in feeding station that will store dishes out of the line of traffic and keep spills to a minimum. You could also install concealed compartments in the kitchen to house your pet’s food bags and keep them from cluttering the pantry floor. If you feed your pet in the mud room, add hooks over this spot for her leash, extra collar, and jackets. A cubby or shelf can hold pet meds, shampoo, and a jar of doggie treats. Sliding wire baskets are also great for organizing toys, whether they’re in the mudroom or the living room.

vancouver-realtor-carmen-leal

A doggy shower

Do you really want to share your tub with your Labradoodle? (Note: This is a rhetorical question.) If you have a dog that gets into the muck regularly, a specially designed canine shower will be invaluable. You might consider a walk-in shower or one that has a built-in step that your pup can mount; a shower nozzle with a long hose attachment makes for easy rinsing. Cabinets above the shower station can hold towels and a dog brush for after-bath beauty sessions.

vancouver-realtor-carmen-leal

A kitchen island pet crate

It may seem cruel to put your pooch in a pen, but puppies can benefit from crate training, and older dogs often like the security of their own little space. But if an unsightly cage taking up space in your home does not appeal to you, consider having it built into a kitchen counter or island. This streamlined approach looks smart and can easily revert back to a plain island when needed (just have the wire doors removed).

vancouver-realtor-carmen-leal

Matching beds

Dogs need their own place to sleep, period, and a great-looking dog bed is the solution. If you've got the space in your bedroom, designate a corner for your dog, complete with his bed, pillows, and a basket for toys. If you love the matching look, choose bedspreads for the dog's bed and yours in coordinating colors.

vancouver-realtor-carmen-leal

Pet sanctuary

The hot thing right now in home renovation is to create multipurpose flex spaces. And that trend can benefit your furred or taloned loved ones as well. From home offices that transform into guest rooms, courtesy of a wall bed, to laundry rooms that double as pet sanctuaries, the key is to figure out how to double up on these spaces. For example, if you only do laundry once a week, you might want to design a spot for your pet to sleep underneath the cabinets so he's out of the way of regular foot traffic, but can still get some peace and quiet.

vancouver-realtor-carmen-leal

********************************************************************

Are you interested in selling or buying your home in the next few months? Work with award winning realtor, Carmen Leal and her team that specialize in Real Estate Vancouver and have qualified Buyers that are looking for a home in your area!   604.218.4846 & www.carmenleal.ca

Vancouver-Realtor-Carmen-Leal

                                                                 This communication is not intended to induce breach of existing listing agreement.

9 CLEVER CONDO DEN DESIGN IDEAS

Not all dens are created equal. Get inspired by these 9 clever condo den design ideas to get the most out of your Vancouver condo.

When it comes to condo living, you must think creatively when designing your space. For those who have or are planning on buying a condo with a plus den floor plan, use these nine condo den design ideas as inspiration for your Vancouver condo.

1. CONVERT YOUR SMALL CONDO DEN INTO A LIBRARY

Sometimes a condo den is just a small awkward space that doesn’t quite make any logical sense for the floor plan and you’ll wonder why it exists at all? Even in the smallest condo den there is always room for books.

Whether you need to make a custom bookcase to fit the space or simply hang shelves, turning one wall of your condo den into a small library adds serious character. If you’re working with a windowless condo den be sure to add ample lighting to make the space feel bigger. Add a piece of art and your coziest chair and your library reading room is ready!

carmen-leal-vancouver-realtor

2. TURNING A DEN INTO A CLOSET

A Vancouver condo listed with a walk-in closet could just as easily be listed as a plus den floor plan. 

If you never seem to have enough closet space for your wardrobe, why not turn your condo den into your very own walk-in closet? Easily turn a den into a closet by using built-ins or stylish freestanding racks, whatever your vibe is — organizing your wardrobe never felt so good.

When it comes to decorating small spaces, add a fun rug and a vanity with ottoman to your condo-den-turned-closet-oasis. Warning: Successfully turning a den into a closet may induce shopping.

carmen-leal-vancouver-realtor

3. CREATE A HOME OFFICE IN YOUR CONDO DEN

This is one we see time and time again. The condo den design ideas for your home office will depend on your profession and personality. Are you maximizing your small space by adding bookshelves, a desk and a cozy chair, or are you designing your condo home office with a more minimalist approach?

Try adding plants, if your condo floor plan places your den near a window, hang art that will inspire you, and prioritize proper lighting. The possibilities are endless, just be sure your space is conducive to your own productivity and comfort.

carmen-leal-vancouver-realtor

4. TURN YOUR SMALL CONDO DEN INTO A YOGA STUDIO

For those rather small condo dens, making the space into a yoga studio may be the perfect solution for your tiny space. Be sure to measure out the space with your arms to make sure you do, in fact, have enough room to stretch. To give the illusion of space, a tall mirror will lend itself well here.

The key to designing a den to be zen is keeping it minimal. Add candles, a Buddha, and a Moroccan pouf for a place to meditate. You’ll have no trouble at all focusing on gratitude in your very own designated yoga studio.

carmen-leal-vancouver-realtor

5. A CONDO DEN AT-HOME GYM

While most Vancouver condos have a fitness centre among the common amenities, if you prefer working out in the privacy of your own home, a den can easily be turned into a home gym.

Even condo floor plans with the narrowest of dens should be able to accommodate an exercise bike or treadmill along with free weights and maybe even an exercise ball, if that’s your jam. 

carmen-leal-vancouver-realtor

6. TURNING A DEN INTO A NURSERY

Let’s face it, baby’s don’t need a lot of space. With the rise of family friendly condos Vancouver is seeing young families — or those planning to start a family — who are buying a condo may consider searching for one bedroom plus den floor plans.

Turning a den into a nursery is a simple way to buy a Vancouver condo within your means today, allowing you to earn equity. Once the little one outgrows the space, you can use that equity to  upgrade to a larger living space. 

carmen-leal-vancouver-realtor

7. TURNING A CONDO DEN INTO A BEDROOM

This is the hope for many one bedroom plus den floor plans, that perhaps it could serve as a two bedroom condo. While not all dens are created equal, you may be able to turn your condo den into a second or spare bedroom. You can approach this many ways through proper condo interior design ideas.

Your condo den can act double-duty as an office and a bedroom if you opt for a Murphy bed or day bed to maximize the small space when it’s not being used for sleeping. If you’re wondering if a den can be used for a bedroom for your kids, bunk beds will certainly serve condo families well — at least in the earlier years.

Increasing demand for family-sized Vancouver condos, plus den layouts are all designed to be big enough to fit a pull-out couch.

carmen-leal-vancouver-realtor

8. GET CREATIVE IN YOUR CONDO DEN STUDIO SPACE

Whether it’s your side hustle or your full-time gig, one condo den design idea is to create a space that inspires ideas. Make music, make art, design graphics or design clothes — whatever your craft, if you have a den in your Vancouver condo, turn it into your own personal studio space.

When it comes to condo decorating ideas for your studio den, that’s up to you and your unique style. If the space is narrow, opt for long narrow desks like in our loft for sale. If you’re making music, hang some tapestries to absorb the sound, and if you’re making art, ensure you have plenty of light.

carmen-leal-vancouver-realtor

9. TURN YOUR CONDO DEN INTO A DINING ROOM

If you’re one who loves to cook and is no stranger to dinner parties, your condo den could be the perfect place to serve dinner. If the Vancouver condo floor plan has the den close to the kitchen, that’s a no-brainer.

Spend time finding the right dining room table that isn’t too big for the small space. Over-sized furniture in small spaces is a faux pas when it comes to condo interior design. You may even want to try looking for a dining table that has a hidden leaf for when you have extra dinner guests.

When it comes to buying a condo in Vancouver, there are creative ways to get the most out of any space. If you’re in the market for a functional layout that can incorporate one of these condo den design ideas, book a call with us to create a customized property search for your unique needs or start searching Vancouver condos for sale by neighbourhood.

********************************************************************

Are you interested in selling or buying your home in the next few months? Work with award winning realtor, Carmen Leal and her team that specialize in Real Estate Vancouver and have qualified Buyers that are looking for a home in your area!   604.218.4846 & www.carmenleal.ca

Vancouver-Realtor-Carmen-Leal

                                                                 This communication is not intended to induce breach of existing listing agreement.

Here Are the 10 Interior Design Trends That Will Rule 2020

Interior design for 2020 is going to be all about these trends

1. Built-In Seating

vancouver-realtor-carmen-leal

An ingenious small-space solution turns a wall into a sitting area.

Be it a window-side perch with a great view or cozy reading niche, seating that’s built in adds character to a room and can be an excellent space-saving technique. Fun architectural details like this are going to have a big moment in 2020.

vancouver-realtor-carmen-leal

This cozy perch is begging you to sit down with a good book.

2. Arches

vancouver-realtor-carmen-leal

Another architectural detail that’s burgeoning is the arch—specifically curved doorways and windows that channel Greece’s cave houses. The pared-down treatment is smooth and clean-lined without ornate detailing. Not ready to commit to structural changes at home? Give the trend a try with an arched wall mirror.

vancouver-realtor-carmen-leal

This stairway gets a very on-trend arch treatment.

3. Fat Furniture

vancouver-realtor-carmen-leal

An undulating, ivory sofa gets prime placement right in the middle of the living room.

Curvy shapes are also taking form as furniture. Upholstered pieces like sofas, divans, and occasional chairs are being reimagined in undulating, and sometimes asymmetrical, designs that feel inspired by decor from the ’70s. In 2020, rounded is the new right angle.

vancouver-realtor-carmen-leal

The curvy shape of this pink sofa gives it a fun, playful quality.

4. Organic Shapes

vancouver-realtor-carmen-leal

This artful bedding exemplifies the free-form shapes motif that’s popping up on everything from bathmats to wallpaper.

While free-form designs have been gaining in momentum, we predict that this is the year the motif hits a fever pitch. Organic shapes are showing up on everything from bath mats to candles. We’re especially loving Cold Picnic’s just-released collection of hand-tufted rugs titled "Two Hour Drive," which feel more like abstract works of art than floor coverings.

vancouver-realtor-carmen-leal

Brooklyn-based homewares brand Cold Picnic uses free-form shapes on rugs, blankets, and bathmats.

5. Dusty Green

vancouver-realtor-carmen-leal

Muted green cabinets pop against a pink-toned terrazzo backsplash.

Classic Blue may have been deemed Pantone’s color of the year, but we’re seeing dusty greens—from olive to pistachio—gaining traction in the home right now.These muted tones work as a palatable pop of color for those who generally stick to neutrals.

vancouver-realtor-carmen-leal

Olive is a calming shade of green that works well in bedrooms.

6. Modern Wood Paneling

vancouver-realtor-carmen-leal

Thin, slatted wood paneling adds warmth to this bathroom.

While wood paneling doesn’t immediately bring to mind a modern home, it seems that sentiment is about to change. Done in a skinny, slatted style or applied at interesting angles, wood walls can actually feel fresh and unfussy. And, no room is off limits—especially bathrooms and kitchens, where wood paneling brings a warmth that’s unexpected and often lacking.

vancouver-realtor-carmen-leal

An angled application gives this wood paneling a modern feel.

7. Fiber Art

vancouver-realtor-carmen-leal

A macramé wall hanging serves as large-scale, textural artwork in this sitting room.

For several years now, fiber artists have been showing their work at fine-art galleries and fairs, but 2020 is the year you’re going to see this type of art—intricately woven tapestries, elaborately knotted macramé pieces—make its way into the home. 

vancouver-realtor-carmen-leal

Fiber art brings an element of softness to this dining area.

8. Statement Tiles

vancouver-realtor-carmen-leal

Floor-to-ceiling tiles give this courtyard a major "wow" factor.

After the proliferation of white subway tile during the last decade, it’s only natural that the pendulum would swing the other way. Enter statement tile. We’re seeing bold, patterned tile being used in both small (just a backsplash) and big (floor-to-ceiling bathrooms) ways.

vancouver-realtor-carmen-leal

This backsplash may only cover a small surface area, but its asymmetric tiles are the kitchen’s pièce de résistance.

9. Indoor Gardens

vancouver-realtor-carmen-leal

If you have an under utilized space in your home (like underneath a staircase), consider turning it into an indoor garden.

Considering the popularity of indoor plants and living walls in recent years, it comes as no surprise that green thumbs would want to take their plant habit to the next level with an indoor garden. These small-scale plots bring the outdoors in and give residents a chance to commune with nature from the comfort of their own home.

vancouver-realtor-carmen-leal

Homes with abundant natural light are optimal for an indoor garden.

10. Cane Detailing

vancouver-realtor-carmen-leal

Cane-front cabinets help add to this kitchen’s airy feel.

Natural, woven materials in the form of rattan furniture, seagrass pendant lights, and jute rugs have taken the interior design world by storm, but all trends have an evolution. This one’s second act is all about cane detailing, which you’ll be seeing used on modern furniture like CB2’s Nadia chair and Target’s Minsmere console.

vancouver-realtor-carmen-leal

These dining chairs are a modern take on cane detailing.

********************************************************************

Are you interested in selling or buying your home in the next few months? Work with award winning realtor, Carmen Leal and her team that specialize in Real Estate Vancouver and have qualified Buyers that are looking for a home in your area!   604.218.4846 & www.carmenleal.ca

Vancouver-Realtor-Carmen-Leal

                                                                 This communication is not intended to induce breach of existing listing agreement.